Chapter 15c

“She needs more than me patching her up this time.” Blacklock was shaking from head to foot.

“The infirmary.” Shawn went to lift Kore.

“No Shawn, Leo will never recover from this, it'll probably kill him with the shock.” Blacklock said.

“Take her to the guest Villa.” Ben said. “Yes I'm serious! Jasmine, can you get hold of physician Sillix?” Ben lifted Kore carefully off the ground.

“I can try. If they won't let me in, I have permission to send a message to Ursus. Don't worry, I won't let Leo see me.” Jasmine started to run and fell over her armour. “Bollocks! Help me Shawn!”

Lily Astrella stood in the drawing room together with her husband, her son, a gladiator named Shawn, a gladiator trainer named Blacklock, a young girl called Jasmine, Jyp Freeman, Faust Cooper and Lady Ursus Toller! Outside the front door were a whole array of soldiers, including Captain Creed and cadets Rowan, Lumni, Roscus and Bowman. The latter cadet being regarded very suspiciously by the other three. In one of the seven bedrooms lay Kore and Physician Sillix had been with her for over two hours. Ben had had no choice but to explain the whole, corrupt situation to his parents. He told them everything, including the twins' discovery ten years ago, Leo's fabricated arrest, with permission of Ursus of course, and the persecution of Kore in person because of her position within the Pit. He told them of their suspicions regarding the re-securing of the pit and the arenas, and the re-opening of the dungeons. Ben told Ambassador and Lord Astrella everything.

“So you were just going to leave us in the dark regarding all this?” Ambassador Astrella asked, her voice shaking with emotion.

“With all respect ma'am, Ben, and the rest of us, hadn't much choice.” Faust spoke up. “Any proof we have is circumstantial and theoretical. Probably all true, but not concrete enough for the seriousness of the situation. Lord Astrella, you saw for yourself today the way in which that girl is being harassed, very subtly but effectively. Apart from the arrow shot, obviously, no crimes were actually committed by arena standards. The dogs and the horses are unacceptable and most definitely not approved of, but not strictly illegal in the arena.”

“Yet.” Lily snapped angrily. “That arena is still part of Azoria. It isn't a mini Haggardan. But apparently that isn't the only thing that should be on the reform list. Let me get something clear here.” She sat down and frowned at the fireplace. “Forgive me in advance, Ursus, but is Governor Toller a party to this corruption?”

“No forgiveness needed, Ambassador.” Ursus replied. “Spence is guilty by ignorance. He's well aware of what's happening, and he's well aware that Bonetti is after his position as Governor. It might seem odd that he chooses not to work with the part of the Military that these people here represent but the reason for that is, his lack of confidence in their ability. He doesn't think they're on the winning side. By ignoring Bonetti's antics, and therefore giving him a free reign, he stands more of a chance of being shown leniency if Bonetti gets in power.” Everyone was once again, very impressed with Ursus. “Of course there's also his personal thoughts in the equation. The situation with Leo embarrassed him and gave Bonetti's goons some ammunition for the future. Spence won't like that one bit. Leo isn't his favourite person just now.” Ursus said in contempt. “And Leo couldn't give a rat's arse. He told me.” Jasmine snorted a laugh at Lady Toller's language and Lily tried not to smirk.

“You said no laws were broken, Faust, apart from the arrow, of course.” Herz said. “The tunnel gates? They weren't just jammed, or wedged, they were locked very securely. I saw it myself, Faust, it took every ounce of strength that this young fellow has to remove it.” He nodded at Jyp who only glanced at the group, then resumed his watch on the door he'd seen Kore being carried through.

“I think I know how they'll get round that.” Faust sighed. “Ben?”

“The dogs.” Ben nodded. “Security measures to stop fighting beasts from entering the cells. That's a very old law that was never updated because there's never been a need to, up to now.”

“And the young lady here?” Herz looked at Jasmine. “You were admirably, by the way, young lady, absolutely admirable.” Jasmine blushed to the roots of her hair and tried to hide under Shawn's arm.

“Dad, may I have a word?” Ben glanced at Jasmine. “Please? Jasmine?” Jasmine looked at her feet and nodded. “Thank you. Dad?” Ben lead his father outside into the hallway. “Dad Jasmine is a brothel-girl.” He said bluntly.

“Really?” Herz said in surprise.

“Really. She's not the usual run of the mill brothel-girl though. The whole city loves her, men women and kids, because she's a terrific girl. She's so out of place in that job. Another war victim who doesn't know how else to earn a living.” Ben explained. “Obviously she lives at the brothel and as you know, some of the more classy ones are government subsidised.”

“I get the picture.” Herz said wearily. “'We own you so you do it' type of thing.” Ben nodded. “Another antiquated rule. How in hell are they still there? It was naturally presumed that Azoria would have the sense to update it's bloody laws!”

“It was clearly more advantageous to conveniently forget about some. Dad? One more thing, before we go back.” Ben rubbed his fingers through his long black hair. “I'm sorry for not telling you who Kore was. It was selfish of me and I realise it must have been a bit of a surprise to see her in that arena today. I'd also like to make it clear that although she's obviously very special to me, so is her brother, that's as far as it goes.” Ben said awkwardly. “I know you and mum got hold of the wrong end of the stick, and I'm thinking Jyp reinforced that unintentionally.”

“Yes, he said he was her chaperone.” Herz was smirking when his son looked up. “Why is that as far as it goes?”

“Huh? Well it just does. We're friends, that's all.” Ben said in confusion.

“I know that. What are you hoping I'll say?” Herz said. “If I said ... well thank the Stars for that! A gladiator! Oh no! ... I'm sure that might affect your way of thought. She'll be your friend forever. Parental approval is very important Ben, but don't presume you know the outcome when you don't. You're assuming that your mother and I would disapprove of a gladiator. Am I right?”

“Yes. It is true though that we are just friends, I swear it is.” Ben sounded like a fifteen year old who'd just been caught out.

“I believe you. If you were OK with that, you'd never have thought it important enough to mention it to me.” Herz stated.

“So do you? Disapprove?” Ben asked innocently. “Just for future reference, you understand.”

“No not as such.” Herz frowned at the floor. “Do you know anything about her at all?”

“Just her life here.” Ben shrugged. “As far as anyone, including themselves, knows, there was no life before that. They were too young to remember it.”

“No name?”

“None. They sometimes use the name Blacklock seeing he brought them up. Why? I mean, does it matter? The war caused their situation thankfully it's gone now. Valuing people by their names is ridiculous, dad.” Ben said.

“Yes, of course it is. I agree with you.” Herz nodded. “She's a remarkable young woman, Ben.” Ben smiled at his father. “Reminds me of your mother in a way. Same excitable nature.”

“Still driving you up the wall then?”

“Every day. I wouldn't have it any other way.” Herz opened the door to the drawing room and they rejoined the others.